Ruin With Grotto Adjoining The West Front Of St Mary'S Convent

This is a ruin with a grotto located adjacent to the west front of St Mary's Convent in Hove. It dates from the early 19th century and incorporates medieval materials, having been restored in the early to mid-20th century. The structure features flint pebble facing with brick and stone dressings, and composite stone used for the grotto.

The plan consists of a square, roofless tower with a length of wall to the north that returns east to connect with St Mary's Convent. The two-stage crenellated tower has two lancet windows on its south face. The wall to the north stands about 2 meters high and has a doorway opening that was restored with mid-20th century brickwork, alongside two featureless window openings.

The grotto measures approximately 3 meters square and contains stalactites, representing a minor example of this artistic style. It features a coursed flint-faced wall with coping and a round arched opening about 2 meters high, which returns to the Convent of St Mary. The ruin incorporates materials from the former manor house of Portslade located to the west.